Haywards Heath Music Society line up concert series

Chairman Ian Barras-Hill has confirmed plans to offer entertainment online if they can’t offer it in person.

“How we yearn to see live performances of just about everything, whether visiting a theatre, laughing at comic plays at our local amdram, marvelling at sci-fi in the cinema or listening to music, up close and personal to the players themselves.

“The pandemic has stopped all that. Sussex musicians and actors suffered a big loss of earnings since the first lockdown last year and were forced to perform, record and teach online to supplement their earnings.

“Undeterred, however, the Haywards Heath Music Society will offer audiences a choice this year by streaming live concerts on YouTube if prevented from hosting their 79th season at church venues from February to June.

“People watch The Crown on Netflix, Top Gear on Amazon Prime and are used to paying for online entertainment now, so why not deliver concerts that way?

“The Barbican and Wigmore Hall have regularly streamed recitals through 2020. We know our audience want to meet up, socialise and share the musical experience again and will do when it’s safe.”

“The HH Society cancelled two live events in 2020 but have lined up a stellar programme of classical and jazz concerts in the coming months, beginning with a Beethoven evening on February 6 with acclaimed local cellist Pavlos Carvalho; The Mithras Piano Trio on March 20; a piano recital by the International artist Dinara Klinton on April 24; the Aurora Trio of flute, viola and harp on May 22; and, for a spectacular finish to the season, the Dominic Alldis Trio with a tribute to Jacques Loussier on June 12. These will be held at St Wilfrid’s Church in HH or move online if this proves not to be possible.

“The first Beethoven concert will be streamed live on YouTube on February 6 at 7.30pm and tickets can be bought for just £10 online from Eventbrite via the Society’s website www.haywardsheathmusicsociety.org.uk Season tickets for all five concerts are available for £50.

“We welcome people to tune in and support these brilliant musicians in a year of continuing uncertainty.”